How Organic Fertilizers Shape Soil Health: An Integrative Literature Overview

Abstract

Soil degradation in agricultural fields is increasingly recognized as a fundamental barrier to long-term crop productivity, driven by a drop in soil organic matter, an overreliance on chemical fertilizers, and a loss of biological activity within the soil ecosystem. These circumstances substantially diminish soil functionality and resilience, thereby, soil health restoration a strategic priority. The literature consistently highlights the important role of organic fertilizers in increasing soil organic carbon and improving the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. Chemically, organic fertilizers support the gradual release of nutrients, enhance cation exchange capacity, and help maintain a more balanced soil pH, thereby improving nutrient availability and buffering capacity. Physically, they improve aggregate stability, soil structure, porosity, and water-holding capacity, while reducing bulk density that collectively promote greater aeration, infiltration, and root development. Biologically, organic fertilizers stimulate the growth and activity of soil microorganisms and fauna driving decomposition, nutrient cycling, and other ecological processes essential for soil fertility. These benefits are further reinforced by composting techniques and complementary practices such as the integration of legumes, cover crops, and in-situ organic matter inputs, which collectively increase soil organic matter and strengthen long-term soil functioning. Farmer empowerment through compost production and organic matter management training has been shown to increase the adoption of organic-based practices across a range of agricultural systems, including organic farming, the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), integrated crop management, and crop-livestock systems. Overall, organic fertilizers function not only as nutrient sources but also as key agents in restoring degraded soils, improving soil ecosystem processes, and promoting more productive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural systems